Search begins for new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

September 27, 2006

Virginia Tech has begun a national/international search for a new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, a position that has been held by Dean Jerry Niles since the college’s inception in 2003.

Virginia Tech has begun a national/international search for a new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, a position that has been held by Dean Jerry Niles since the college’s inception in 2003.

“Jerry has been instrumental in fostering a climate for growth and collaboration in the college, and the college is an important contributor to our updated strategic plan and is well positioned for the future,” said Mark McNamee, university provost and vice president for academic affairs, who chairs the search committee. “Jerry graciously agreed to delay his planned retirement by a year and has stayed in the position an extra year to help pave the way for a search this year. Jerry is providing outstanding leadership for the college and he will be sorely missed.”

The search committee held its first meeting on Sept. 21 to review the search process, develop the position announcement, outline qualifications, and set a timetable for its work.

McNamee asks that all members of the university community—faculty, staff, students, and alumni—identify outstanding candidates and forward nominations to the committee by contacting him at mmcnamee@vt.edu.

In addition, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Faculty Council is hosting an open session on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. in Owens Dining Hall to receive input about the qualities their faculty are seeking in the new dean.